The sister of nine-year-old Mollie Haynes who died after a beating today spoke for the first time of her heartbreaking loss.

In a statement to The Argus, Ellie Perkins, 18, said: "Mollie was so special to me and I feel I have lost a part of me. She was so gentle and loving and will be missed greatly.

"I love my sister so much and always will."

A post mortem examination confirmed Mollie died from head injuries.

The sisters' mother Helen Perkins, 41, was also beaten but she continues to improve in hospital.

She has now regained consciousness but has not been told about Mollie. Family members want to break the news when the time is right.

Ms Perkins and her daughter were found with serious head injuries in their home in Cavalry Crescent, Eastbourne, on Sunday night.

Mollie died the following evening.

Ms Perkins is recovering in Hurstwood Park Neurological Centre in Haywards Heath after being transferred from Eastbourne District General Hospital.

Mollie grew up with her sister Ellie, who left the family home in October last year.

Ellie said: "Mollie and I were very much alike. I could be a bit wacky and she would follow suit. We were a bit like twins."

Mollie loved watching The Bill TV police series, riding her bike, playing computer games and liked gymnastics and dancing at school.

Her sister said: "She said she wanted to be a pop star or a dancer when she grew up.

"I would bring my iPod round and she would put the earphones on and dance and sing along. She was very vivacious and outgoing."

Police stepped up their murder investigation and officers appealed for more witnesses to come forward.

A police spokeswoman said: "From the beginning the case has been treated as an attempted murder investigation and so police are now treating it as murder."

Ms Perkins' partner, Michael Hooker, of Northbourne Road, Eastbourne, has been charged with the attempted murder of Mollie and her mother.

The 49-year-old, who is not thought to be Mollie's father, was arrested at the Cavalry Crescent address. He was remanded in custody to July 29 when he is due to appear at Lewes Crown Court.